New traffic patterns set in Signature Bridge project

Work has resumed on major portions of the sprawling construction project to reshape and rebuild I-395 and connecting routes over the Miami River and snaking through Downtown Miami, reports the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The agency reports progress on the massive I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project.

This ambitious undertaking is the product of a partnership between FDOT and the Greater Miami Expressway Agency, and contractor, Archer Western – de Moya Group Joint Venture.

The $866 million project includes a spider-like Signature Bridge over Northeast Second Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard, an upper deck of traffic built over State Road 836 and the Miami River, and the addition of one lane to the northbound entrance to I-95.

The goal is to add capacity, enhance the flow of traffic and safety, and improve access along I-395, SR 836 and I-95.

FDOT recently announced the start of major new work on the iconic bridge, with new traffic patterns beginning this week, with completion expected in one month.

Two of the six arches have been completed on the six-arched Signature Bridge, and all 86 precast segments for the tallest 330-foot arch have been installed.

As part of the ongoing construction of one of the bridge arches, crews began installing auger-cast piles in a centralized area for temporary support towers. Work will occur nightly, Sundays through Thursdays, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The work is expected to take approximately four weeks.

FDOT says this operation must take place at night because it will require the full closure of Biscayne Boulevard from Northeast 11th to 13th streets.

The department says it will make every effort to minimize noise. However, nearby residents and businesses may face periods of louder-than-normal noise during these activities, the agency says.

All travel lanes on Biscayne Boulevard will be closed from Northeast 11th to 13th streets from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The start and end times will be adjusted on special event days.

Drivers on southbound Biscayne Boulevard can:

■Turn right on Northeast 13th Street and then turn left on Northeast Second Avenue.

■Turn left on Northeast 11th Street to connect with Biscayne Boulevard.

Drivers on northbound Biscayne Boulevard can:

■Turn left on Northeast 11th Street and then turn right on Northeast First Avenue.

■Turn right on Northeast 14th Street to connect with Biscayne Boulevard.

All foundations for the new I-395 mainline are finished.

The elevated freeway extends to the MacArthur Causeway over Biscayne Bay on the east, and serves as the front porch of the grandiose Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

FDOT also announced this week the full closure of westbound I-395 and the I-95 ramps to westbound SR 836.

On Wednesday and Thursday, May 21, all westbound Interstate 395 (I-395) lanes at Biscayne Boulevard were to be closed from 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

The I-395 ramps to northbound and southbound I-95 will remain open for drivers using the Downtown Miami ramp to westbound I-395.

Starting at 10 p.m. until 5:30 a.m., westbound State Road 836 will be closed from Northwest 12th to 17th avenues, and the northbound and southbound I-95 ramps to westbound 836 will also be closed.
FDOT says these closures are necessary for the installation of pier caps and drilled shaft foundations on westbound 836 adjacent to the Northwest 12th Avenue ramp.

Downtown Miami drivers heading west to 836 can:

■Turn right on Northeast First Avenue, and then turn left on Northwest 14th Street.

■Continue west on Northwest 14th Street, turn left onto Northwest 12th Avenue.

■Turn right on Northwest Seventh Street, then right on Northwest 17th Avenue to access the 836 entrance ramp.

FDOT noted that drivers entering the ramp will only have access to northbound and southbound I-95.

The department said the project’s targeted completion remains late in 2029.